Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
10:59
Visualizing the Conformational Dynamics of Membrane Receptors Using Single-Molecule FRET
Published on: August 17, 2022
Molecular and physiological mechanisms of membrane receptor systems functioning
1All-Russia Research Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy.
Acta Naturae
|June 1, 2012
Summary
Molecular physiology explores complex biological systems, including cellular interactions and the immune system. Advances leverage genomic data to understand receptor functions and intercellular communication.
Area of Science:
- Molecular physiology
- Interdisciplinary biological sciences
Background:
- The human genome sequencing has propelled molecular physiology.
- Focus on cellular interactions, receptor-ligand dynamics, and protein-protein interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate cellular systems at a new level using genomic insights.
- Understand spatial organization of cellular components.
Main Methods:
- Genomic data analysis
- Study of receptor and ligand functions
- Analysis of protein-protein interactions
Main Results:
- Elucidation of cellular interaction systems.
- Advancements in understanding sensor reception and intercellular communication.
- Insights into immune system physiology.
Conclusions:
- Molecular physiology offers a systems-level understanding of biological complexity.
- Key recent advances focus on cellular signaling and immunity.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Cell-surface Signaling
Hormones—or any molecule that binds to a receptor, known as a ligand—that are lipid-insoluble (water-soluble) are not able to diffuse across the cell membrane. In order to be able to affect a cell without entering it, these hormones bind to receptors on the cell membrane. When a first messenger, a hormone, binds to a receptor, a signal cascade is set off, causing second messengers, proteins inside the cell, to become activated, resulting in downstream effects.
01:30Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors
G Protein–Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to various stimuli. GPCRs regulate critical physiological pathways and are excellent drug targets for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, or Alzheimer's. Nearly 35% of approved drugs implement their therapeutic effects by selectively interacting with specific GPCRs.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
01:28Types of Receptors: Cell Surface Receptors
Cell-surface receptors, also known as transmembrane receptors, are cell surface, membrane-anchored (integral) proteins that bind to external ligand molecules. This type of receptor spans the plasma membrane and performs signal transduction, converting an extracellular signal into an intracellular signal. Ligands that interact with cell-surface receptors do not have to enter the cell that they affect. Cell-surface receptors are also called cell-specific proteins or markers because they are...
01:29The Two-State Receptor Model
The two-state receptor model explains a drug's interaction with receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors and ligand-gated ion channels, to induce or inhibit a biological response. When no natural ligands are present, a receptor exists in an equilibrium of inactive (Ri) and active (Ra) conformations. The inactive form does not produce a response, while the active form generates a basal effect known as constitutive activity.
The binding affinity of a drug determines its interaction with one...
The binding affinity of a drug determines its interaction with one...
01:26Signal Transduction: Overview
Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. They respond to chemical signals, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules, initiating a series of molecular reactions to produce an appropriate response. This is called signal transduction. Cells also coordinate different responses elicited by the same signaling molecule via mediators, allowing molecular cross-talk.
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...